Amino Acid Metabolism

Mammals synthesize non-essential amino acids in vivo, and must obtain essential amino acids from their diet or intestinal flora. Of the 20 amino acids required for protein synthesis, 6 of them (arginine, cysteine, glutamine, leucine, proline, and tryptophan) are collectively known as the functional amino acids. Arginine, leucine, and tryptophan are generally considered essential, whereas cysteine, glutamine, and proline are considered non-essential. These amino acids regulate key metabolic pathways involved in cellular growth and development, as well as other important biological processes such as immunity and reproduction. Metabolic pathways interrelated with the biosynthesis and degradation of these amino acids include vitamin and cofactor biosynthesis (e.g., S-Adenosyl Methionine) as well as neurotransmitter metabolism (e.g., glutamate). Slight alterations in the expression of these metabolic genes impose potentially adverse consequences. For example, the metabolism of histidine forms histamine, a metabolite central to allergic reactions and vasodilation. Therefore, changes in the amount of dopa decarboxylase, a histidine metabolism enzyme, may initiate allergic sensitivities in affected individuals. Analysis of amino acid metabolism unlocks the potential to enhance our understanding of basic biological pathways as well as nutritional status in patients with metabolic disorders or nutritional deprivation. ...

Read more

Mammals synthesize non-essential amino acids in vivo, and must obtain essential amino acids from their diet or intestinal flora. Of the 20 amino acids required for protein synthesis, 6 of them (arginine, cysteine, glutamine, leucine, proline, and tryptophan) are collectively known as the functional amino acids. Arginine, leucine, and tryptophan are generally considered essential, whereas cysteine, glutamine, and proline are considered non-essential. These amino acids regulate key metabolic pathways involved in cellular growth and development, as well as other important biological processes such as immunity and reproduction. Metabolic pathways interrelated with the biosynthesis and degradation of these amino acids include vitamin and cofactor biosynthesis (e.g., S-Adenosyl Methionine) as well as neurotransmitter metabolism (e.g., glutamate). Slight alterations in the expression of these metabolic genes impose potentially adverse consequences. For example, the metabolism of histidine forms histamine, a metabolite central to allergic reactions and vasodilation. Therefore, changes in the amount of dopa decarboxylase, a histidine metabolism enzyme, may initiate allergic sensitivities in affected individuals. Analysis of amino acid metabolism unlocks the potential to enhance our understanding of basic biological pathways as well as nutritional status in patients with metabolic disorders or nutritional deprivation.